Child sexual abuse is considered one of the most traumatic events that can occur to an infant, generating physical, psychological and social consequences of great impact in the short or long term, not only for children but also for their families; causing very severe effects on the emotional development of the child, especially with regard to his safety and integrity.
That is why this research will focus on providing the most appropriate psychological intervention treatment with direct victims of child sexual abuse who present with post-traumatic stress from art therapy.
Taking into account the information systems of the National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, a total of 20,739 medicolegal exams for alleged sexual offenses in Colombia were registered in 2013 with a rate of 44.01 per 100,000 inhabitants being the lowest in The last three years. According to sexual violence against children and adolescents under 17, this entity reveals 11,333 cases presented in Colombia between January and September 2013; indicating approximately every hour that two girls are sexually abused and the main abusers correspond to 39% by a relative, 9% an acquaintance without any treatment, 9% a friend and 8% a neighbor. In addition, it is estimated that 71% of reported cases correspond to girls under 14 years old.
In order to intervene in the mental health of the victims, a psychological treatment focused on art therapy will be applied since this technique is based on a creative process for the expression of psychological problems that facilitates their resolution. Through art therapy, the physical, mental and emotional well-being of children can be improved and increased by developing interpersonal skills, improving their behaviors, increasing self-esteem, reducing stress and achieving introspection. (Covarrubias, 2006).